It was another solid performance from the Jets on Saturday night, who went toe-to-toe with Sydney FC at every turn.
Newcastle are just the second team to take points off the Sky Blues this season, and it was thanks to Nick Cowburn’s headed goal in the 87th minute.
REPORT: Points shared with Sydney FC
GALLERY: The best shots from Round 4
Here’s what we learnt from the round 4 clash.
Kanta runs the midfield
It was Ben Kantarovski’s first start this Hyundai A-League season, and he certainly put his best foot forward in the case for a regular spot in the starting XI.
The Broadmeadow Magic junior was absolutely outstanding, playing 42 passes with an accuracy of over 85% and winning crucial tackles in the centre of midfield.
Kanta also showed he’s good with the ball at his feet, turning the likes of Alex Brosque around a few times and almost always finding the right pass.
On the return from hamstring and calf niggles, Kantarovski was substituted just beyond the hour mark but expect to see those minutes increase as his fitness improves.
Cowburn’s first ever goal
It’s been a long time coming for the Toronto Awaba junior, but Nick Cowburn FINALLY has his first competitive goal in Jets colours – and what a crucial goal it was.
After a quick chat with Dimi Petratos while the free-kick was being set up, Cowburn got to the ball first at the near post and steered his glancing header home.
It’s a just reward for the versatile midfielder, who has had to cut his teeth as a right-back for a number of years. His celebration was something special too – a nod to teammate, Johnny Koutroumbis.
Mossy keeps us in it
After Alex Brosque managed to sneak a goal under Glen Moss in the first half, the Kiwi shot-stopper had to ensure he didn’t drop his head.
In fact, Moss did anything but. He remained consistent and persistent in his distribution from the back, finding feet on a number of occasions.
And there were the incredible saves, too. Early in the second half, Moss got down low to his left to deny a curling Milos Ninkovic effort from outside the area.
The best, however, was yet to come. In second-half injury time, Sydney forward Charles Lokolingoy found himself in behind. The veteran goalkeeper made himself big, denied the striker, and ensured a point would stay in Newcastle.
